A report from Statistics Canada, published on Feb. 5, has revealed that a significant number of international graduates are working in jobs that do not match their level of education despite having completed post-secondary programs in Canada. The study examined 83,300 international student graduates who remained in Canada after finishing their studies in 2020 and did not pursue further post-secondary education. International students comprised just under a quarter (24 per cent) of all graduates in 2020.

However, Rebecca Summerfield, Career Services Consultant at Fanshawe College, cautions against an overly negative interpretation of the findings.

“The report itself felt like fearmongering. There are a few percentage points for international students versus domestic graduates. But if you look at the numbers, over 85 per cent of international students still go on to find employment three years after graduation (88. 6 per cent). So, when they say it's more challenging, it's less than five per cent compared to the domestics (91 per cent),” Summerfield said.

The report simultaneously indicates that international students with a bachelor's or master's degree were less likely to secure employment that matched their education level than their Canadian counterparts. In 2023, 36.6 percent of international students graduating with a Bachelor's degree worked in positions that typically required a university degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate), while 58.8 percent of Canadian graduates secured similar employment.

“I read in the report that the largest percentage difference (employment matching their education) is at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, where there was very little difference between international and Canadian graduates' employment rates,” Summerfield explained.

Summerfield notes that while international graduates generally find employment, they often encounter obstacles not faced by their domestic counterparts. Among the most pressing issues are the recognition of foreign credentials, the necessity for Canadian work experience, and language barriers.

“Language skills are something that none of us can help with. They either have them or they don't. But I find that many of my students with lower language skills work hard to ensure they learn the language,” Summerfield said.

Another key challenge facing international graduates is obtaining permanent residency (PR), which is essential for long-term stability in the Canadian labour market.

When asked if employers are hesitant to hire international graduates, she acknowledged that some companies might be reluctant due to government regulations. Still, she insisted that many businesses actively seek out international talent.

“That tends to be because of many of the labour market information assessments, impact statements, or things that the government requires employers to keep our international graduates as long-term employees. But I also know many businesses that don't shy away from that. And that's where our international students are finding success,” Summerfield said.

For Summerfield, international and domestic students experience the challenge of securing their first job after college.

“A lot of domestic and international students struggle to articulate their abilities in job interviews,” she said. “Instead of confidently explaining how their education prepared them for the workforce, they downplay their experience.”

To combat this, she encourages students to take advantage of career services, which offer resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search assistance.

“We have workshops and on-demand services available. Students should use them.”

Summerfield shared a recent success story of an international student.

“He was struggling because he wasn’t connecting the dots between his education and a paid job,” she said. “We worked on his interview skills, and once he understood how to present his qualifications, he got a job offer.”

Ultimately, Summerfield advises students to stay persistent.

“I've had hundreds of interviews in my career, probably 90 per cent of which I did not get. I wasn't this happy and lucky earlier in my career. Once I understood that every foot in the door is a good opportunity, I started seeing some success with my business and career. Much of it is just taking what you learned from the one that didn't go so well and trying to have a good one the next time.”